Nudge, nudge, wink wink: Monty Python is back at 40

By Gary Strauss, USA TODAY
Their offbeat humor poked fun at everything from British royalty to killer rabbits. On the 40th anniversary of the debut of Monty Python's Flying Circus, the series' principal performers will be making an extended appearance on cable network IFC.
The six-part documentary Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) airs Oct. 4-10 and features John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, who, along with founding member Graham Chapman created groundbreaking humor with such sketches as "The Ministry of Silly Walks" and "The Upper Class Twit of the Year."

IFC's Python Week also will include airings of the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Life of Brian and Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl.

Directed by Alan Parker, the documentary explores the troupe's 1960s roots and examines its impact on comedy. Guest interviews include Steve Martin, Jimmy Fallon, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Eddie Izzard, Tim Roth, Seth Green and Joan Rivers.

"This is the documentary I always hoped that would be made — something so complete and so faithful to the truth that I don't need to watch it," says Jones.